Watched by 31,139 spectators on a drizzly night, the mood turned from expectation to desperation as the Broncos failed to score in the second half.

"There were plenty of turning points in that second half when we could have won it," said captain Sam Thaiday.

"We were too soft in ourselves.

"If you want to take anything out of that game it was all the disappointed faces in (the dressing room).

"I know how disappointed we are just for a round one match and if we had a harder edge about us we could have ran way with that game."

Brisbane's deceleration in the second half was matched only by Manly's acceleration, the skills of Cherry-Evans and the courage of backrower Anthony Watmough who dominated despite carrying a rib injury into the match and will continue to carry for the rest of the season.

The former Test forward added an ankle injury to his ailments, which will need scans over the weekend.

The Broncos led 14-6 at halftime but it fell apart in 10 nightmare minutes for the home side in the second half.

Tries to Steve Matai, Cherry-Evans and winger David Williams turned the contest on its head.

Griffin said there were few positives.

The halves combination of Peter Wallace and Scott Prince failed to ignite after halftime and Corey Norman looked out of sorts at fullback.

Justin Hodges was in cracking form for the Broncos. Picture: Peter WallisSource: The Courier-Mail

But the form of forward Alex Glenn and Justin Hodges could not be much better.

Hodges refuses to be outdone, not even by his Test and State of Origin teammate Greg Inglis who cut the Roosters to shreds 24 hours earlier.

Hodges fought a earth shuddering battle all night with Matai and the honours were split despite the Kiwis' two-try effort.

The centre was Brisbane's most dangerous weapon and the man most likely to break Manly's line.

Defensive lapses elsewhere cost the Broncos dearly, and their halfback, five-eighth and fullback combination is not yet what coach Griffin needs it to be.

Manly seemed intent on playing their hosts into form by conceding six penalties, mostly from ruck infringements, in the first 20 minutes.

Manly halfback Daly Cherry-Evans puts a fierce hit on Jack Reed, forcing the ball loose just metres out from the tryline and the ball is quickly spread to Dave Williams on the right wing and he dives over.

Sea Eagles lead 22-14 after 56 minutes.

9.17pm AEDT - MATAI GETS A DOUBLE

Scotty Prince can't do much to stop Steve Matai in a one-on-one and the bulky Manly centre barges over for his second of the night.

Jamie Lyon doesn't miss the extras and Manly lead 18-14 at the 54-minute mark.

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